Clementine tree named &#39;Clemenpons&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct  Citrus reticulata  tree with large, early ripening fruit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar ofclementine tree botanically known as Citrus reticulata, and hereinreferred to by its cultivar name ‘Clemenpons’.

[0002] The new cultivar was discovered in 1964 as a seedling in Pego,Aligante, Spain.

[0003] The new cultivar was first asexually reproduced in 1985 in Pego(Valencia), Spain by grafting budwood onto citrange rootstock.Subsequent grafting of budwood onto citrange rootsock in Moncado(Valencia), Spain has shown the features of the new cultivar to bestable and reproduce true to type in successive propagations.

[0004] The following traits are determined to be basic characteristicsof the new cultivar which in combination distinguish this clementinetree as new and distinct.

[0005] 1. Earlier fruit maturity then Clemenules.

[0006] 2. Fruit characteristics similar to Clemenules; superior fruitquality to Arrufatina Clementine.

[0007] 3. Tree characteristics similar to Clemenules; less vigorousgrowth than Fina (Commune) Clementine.

[0008] 4. Fruit internal maturity and rind colors up to 3 weeks earlierthan Clemenules.

[0009] 5. Larger fruit than Fina (Commune) Clementine.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying photographic drawings illustrate the newcultivar with the color being as true as possible with colorillustrations of this type. The photographs were taken under naturallight conditions.

[0011]FIG. 1 shows the tree;

[0012]FIG. 2 shows fruit of the new variety; and

[0013]FIG. 3 shows color indices during opening of the fruit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

[0014] The following description sets forth the characteristics of thenew cultivar. The data which defines these characteristics werecollected from asexual reproductions by grafting of budwood ontorootstock. The plant history was taken on a 5 year old tree. In thefollowing description, color references are made to the R.H.S. ColourChart of The Royal Horticultural Society of London.

[0015] Classification:

[0016]Botanical.—Citrus reticulate.

[0017]Commercial.—Clementine tree.

[0018] Tree:

[0019]Growth rate.—Medium vigor; similar to Clemenules.

[0020]Overall shape.—Spreading.

[0021]Height.—Up to 12 feet, if allowed.

[0022]Spread.—Depending on spacing, up to 12 feet.

[0023]Preferred soil type.—Varies with rootstock type; loamy.

[0024] Foliage:

[0025]Shape.—Overall: Lanceolate. Base: Obtuse. Tip: Acute.

[0026]Size.—Length: 61 mm. Width: 20 mm.

[0027]Color.—Upper surface: Green Group 132A. Lower surface: Green Group132B.

[0028]Marginal form.—Entire.

[0029]Petiole size.—Diameter: 1.2 mm. Length: 6 mm.

[0030]Scent.—Pleasant.

[0031]Surface texture.—Medium roughness.

[0032] Flowers:

[0033]Blooming period.—April in Moncada (Valencia), Spain.

[0034]Number of petals.—5.

[0035]Number of sepals.—5.

[0036]Petal size.—Length: 12 mm. Width: 5 mm.

[0037]Pedicel length.—4 mm.

[0038]Overall size.—Bud: Length: About 3 mm. Diameter: About 2.5 mm.Opened flower: Length: About 5 mm. Diameter: About 2.5 mm.

[0039]Petal color.—White Group 155B.

[0040] Fruit:

[0041]Maturity date.—Mid-October in Moncada (Valencia), Spain.

[0042]Weight.—70 to 120 g.

[0043]Shape.—Overall: Usually flat, depending on climate. Base: Slightlyindented. Apex: Neck/nipple develops only in cold inland areas.Diameter: 55-65 mm. Height: 40-50 mm. Furrows: None.

[0044] Rind:

[0045]Surface texture.—Smooth; slightly pebbly.

[0046]Color.—Between Red-Orange Groups 28A and 28B.

[0047]Thickness.—2 mm.

[0048]Adherence to flesh.—Adheres tightly until mature.

[0049]Ease of peeling.—Very easy when mature.

[0050]Oil glands.—Even; not protruding.

[0051]Scent.—Mandarin-like.

[0052] Flesh:

[0053]Axis.—Straight.

[0054]Puffing.—Occurs when over mature.

[0055]Number of segments.—9-10.

[0056]Separability of segments.—Easily.

[0057]Pulp.—Color: Orange Group 28C. Texture: Tender.

[0058]Vesicles.—Shape: Tapered. Size: 2-4 mm.

[0059] Juice:

[0060]Relative amount in fruit.—46-50%.

[0061]Color.—Orange Group 28C.

[0062]Aroma.—Tangerine.

[0063]Flavor.—Tangerine-like.

[0064]Total soluble solids.—10-13° Brix.

[0065]Acid.—0.8-1.1%.

[0066] Seeds: Seedless under non-pollinating conditions.

[0067] Persistence of fruit on tree: Hangs well.

[0068] Use: Fresh eating.

[0069] Keeping quality: 40-60 days after picking at 18° C.

[0070] Shipping quality: Good, if adhere to protocols.

[0071] Persistence to diseases/pests: No unusual susceptibility todiseases or pests has been noted to date.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of Citrus reticulata plantsubstantially as shown and described.